Alhambra's THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Begins Today

When it debuted on Broadway's Circle in the Square Theatre ten years ago in 2005, The 25th Putnam County Spelling Bee received critical reviews, big box office success, and went on to win two Tony ® Awards, including Best Book. The musical comedy ran for 1,136 performances over three years, and has since toured all over the world. Spelling Bee also won seven Drama Desk® awards. And while it has absolutely nothing to do with the nearby Putnam County, Florida town of Palatka, Spelling Bee will open at Jacksonville's Alhambra Theatre & Dining today, May 13, 2015. Responding to guest requests for some new theatrical fare at the Alhambra, Spelling Bee answers the call with lively musical numbers, touching stories, side-splitting humor - and a great menu featuring the return of Chef DeJuan Roy's famous Prime Rib.

Said Alhambra Managing Partner, Craig Smith, "This is one of the most funny, most entertainment and most interactive shows we have had in the history of this wonderful theater." He continued, "I have no doubt that our guests are going to walk out of this building singing the songs and talking to their friends about what a great experience they had."

About The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Six awkward spelling champions learn that winning (and losing) isn't everything. An eclectic group of six mid-pubescent middle-school kids (who are all played by adult actors) vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home life, the tweens spell their way through a series of words, some potentially made up, hoping to never hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter and one speller leaves, but at least the losers get a juice box. Featuring more than 20 musical numbers, the Chicago Tribune has called the Spelling Bee a "raucous grown up musical." The show includes audience participation that asks four members of the crowd randomly selected to join the spelling bee.

About the Menu

Executive Chef DeJuan Roy creates a new menu for every show, themed to the show's plot and script. The menu for Spelling Bee is below, and the Alhambra is thrilled to have his famous Prime Rib back on the menu. The first course includes a fruit and cheese starter featuring fresh melon, berries, gourmet cheeses, local honey, and baguette (gluten free minus baguette), or spring mix salad with strawberries, red onion, blue cheese and Champagne vinaigrette (gluten free). The second course includes, shrimp and scallop manicotti with béchamel and asparagus, or slow smoked chicken with fresh roasted corn and avocado relish, fiesta polenta and fried green tomato (gluten free minus tomato), or prime rib with Texas potatoes and garlic green beans (gluten free), or the vegetarian dish: manicotti with summer squash ratatouille and local tomato sauce. The dessert menu includes, blueberry crepe with fresh whipped cream or Dreamsicle crème Brule with a short bread cookie, as well as chocolate mousse, sorbet or fresh fruit cup.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee runs May 13, 2015 through June 14, 2105. Times are 8:00 PM for evening shows Tuesday through Sunday. Doors open at 6:00 PM and dinner starts at 6:30 PM. Matinees on Saturday are at 1:15 PM. Doors open at 11:00 AM and meal service starts at 11:15 AM. Sunday matinee is at 2:00. Doors open at noon and the meal service starts at 12:15 PM. Group sales are available. Tickets start at $35 for and range to $53. Ticket price includes dinner, show and parking. Call the box office at 904.641.1212 or at www.alhambrajax.com.

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